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[S834]Spring Break Safety Tips

by Ross Anderson, Ros

Traveling is one of the most adventurous activities in which you can engage. However just as you would want to remain safe at home, you should adhere to basic safety rules while you are away as well. That way you are able to enjoy your vacation and not need to concern yourself with all the possible negative incidents that can take place while you are away.

There is always some risk you must assume when traveling to a location with which you are unfamiliar, so it is best to be prepared and comfortable with what you should do in case of trouble.

Start by planning your destination and preferred activities. In taking that initial step - which you should do regardless of safety considerations - you can then consider where the greatest risks are likely to be. For example, if you are headed to the islands for vacation, you should know that while the beaches are gorgeous and full of fun, they are also dangerous after dark.

In tourist areas, there are people who prey on visitors because they seem to be naive and unsuspecting. Since you certainly do not want this to be your fate, by doing your research in advance on the areas you are visiting, you will know where and when not to go.

Second, never travel alone, especially at night. If you are vacationing by yourself this may be difficult, but you should avoid any desolate spots or areas where there is a high crime rate. It is certainly safer, when possible, to travel with even a small crowd.

For example, though you might travel alone, find a group of people at your hotel with whom you feel comfortable to head out for some night life. If you do go alone, make sure to leave a detailed itinerary with someone in your family so they know where you are in case something nefarious happens to you.

While traveling, it is a good idea to keep a cellular phone on you at all times so you can call an emergency number if needed. Although 911 is a universal number in the US, it might not be everywhere, so always keep a record on hand of local police station numbers in case of an emergency.

As a last note of caution, hotels can be somewhat dangerous no matter where you stay. So, always keep your door bolt locked, and never open it for anyone you do not know. Store your valuables in your hotel room safe, and don't leave money lying around even when you are in your room.

Clearly you should always be aware of your surroundings, no matter where you are. Your vacation destination may seem on the surface like the safest place in the world, but thieves are not particular to only seedy locations. So never ask strangers to watch your things, and do not walk around with a lot of cash in your pocket or purse.

Vacations can be quite pleasurable, and you want to make sure you keep it that way!

As you and your family and friends bounce away on your new trampoline, you may notice that the mat, or bed, in the center of your trampoline is getting quite a workout, too. As you continue to use your trampoline, the mat will become worn and unsafe. After all, although it is reinforced and stitched to make it as strong as possible, a trampoline mat is simply a piece of fabric. Stitches will break and threads will become more fragile. As you notice signs of wear, you should begin researching replacement trampoline mats. One of the best places to look for a new mat is the internet. There are several excellent sites that provide information on purchasing a replacement mat.

TrampolinePartsandSupply.com is one excellent resource for people looking for replacement mats in a wide range of shapes and sizes. Here, you can find replacement mats for many trampoline brands and models, including JumpKing and Hedstrom. Looking at the available selection is as simple as visiting the site and selecting the ?mats? link on the home page. This link leads to a replacement mats page with photos and descriptions of each mat available. If you aren't sure which mat is right for your trampoline, you can find information on the page about the proper mat and spring size for your frame. The site's useful information, wide range of mat sizes and styles and competitive pricing makes it one of the best choices for people looking for replacement trampoline mats.

As you look at replacement beds for your trampoline, you may notice that some of them have a "target" stitched in the center. Having this mark in the middle of your mat is a wonderful safety option, because it helps guide jumpers to the middle of the trampoline as they bounce. Bouncing near the edges can be a bit more dangerous, but many people forget to check to see how close they are to the edge as they jump. Seeing the "target" will remind them to head for the middle of the trampoline.

Another thing to look for as you look at the available options is the mat's warranty. Sometimes, the cheapest mat is not the best deal, especially if it only has a three month warranty. Check to be sure the mat you are considering has a warranty of several years before you make your final decision. A five year warranty is ideal. Remember, a mat that falls apart when you are jumping can cause serious injury, so you don't want to look for the cheapest mat you can find.

Of course, ideally, you want to be able to use your original mat or any replacements for as long as possible. While some wear and tear is unavoidable, you can prolong the life of your mat with a few smart precautions. If you aren't going to be using the trampoline, cover the mat with a tarp or a tent to protect it from damage caused by sun, rain and drastic temperature changes. You may want to consider storing it in a shed or garage during the winter months to provide further protection. Also, make sure anyone using the mat is wearing appropriate shoes. Spiked athletic shoes can really cause some damage.

Finally, if you notice any holes in your current trampoline mat or see any tears in the stitching on the mat's edges, especially near the safety clips, please be sure to replace it immediately. If one of the holes enlarges as someone is jumping on the trampoline, he or she could become seriously injured.

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About Author

Both Ross Anderson & Niall Roche - are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Ross Anderson has sinced written about articles on various topics from Travel and Leisure, Travel and Leisure and Fitness. For information on practical travel lodging ideas, please visit www.travel-lodgings.com, a popular site providing great insights concerning issues that help with travel recommendations, such as. Ross Anderson's top article generates over 1600 views. Bookmark Ross Anderson to your Favourites.

Niall Roche - has sinced written about articles on various topics from . Is your trampoline mat worn? Have you checked? Discover more about the perils of cheap trampoline mats at TotalTrampoline dot com. Niall Roche -'s top article . Bookmark Niall Roche - to your Favourites.